Communist Platform (Netherlands)
The Party (Dutch: Socialistische Partij, Dutch pronunciation: [soːʃiaːˈlɪstisə pɑrˈtɛi]; abbreviated SP, Dutch pronunciation: [ɛs peː]) is a left-wing,[1] democratic socialist[2] political party in the Netherlands.
After the 2006 general election, the Socialist Party became one of the major parties of the Netherlands with 25 seats of 150, an increase of 16 seats. In the 2010 general election the party obtained 15 seats. In the 2012 general election they maintained those 15 seats, but in the 2017 general election the party lost one and went to 14 seats. The party has been in opposition since it was formed.
History[edit]
Foundation until 1994[edit]
The Socialist Party was founded in October 1971 as a Maoist party named the Communist Party of the Netherlands/Marxist–Leninist (KPN/ML). This KPN/ML was formed following a split from the Communist Unity Movement of the Netherlands (Marxist–Leninist). The issue that provoked the split from KEN(ml) was an intense debate on the role of intellectuals in the class struggle. The founders of KPN/ML, with Daan Monjé in a prominent role, belonged to the proletarian wing of the KEN(ml), who did not want an organisation dominated by students and intellectuals. In 1972, KPN/ML changed its name to Socialistiese Partij (Socialist Party). Even in its early years, while adhering to Maoist principles such as organising the masses, the SP was very critical of the Communist Party of China, condemning, for example, the support of the Chinese party for Unita in Angola (The brochure: "Antwoord aan de dikhuiden van de KEN").
